Metal Madness at Ye Olde Town Inn

Narcotic kicks off the night at Ye Olde Town with Nucleus, Withering Soul, and Against the Plagues

Dana Trampas

As the great thaw of spring begins to descend on Chicago, the people begin to shake off the chains of winter and make every minute of the great outdoors. With more individuals venturing out, the more the underground metal scene benefits from increased shows and increased attendance. Last night at Ye Olde Town Inn was no exception to the rule. The atmosphere was electric as the crowds packed into YOTI (Ye Olde Town Inn) for a great night of local music. Highlights included Daniel-Josef Williams playing his last show with Chicago death metal titans, Nucleus, Narcotic unveiling a brand new song, "The Atavist", and Against the Plagues kicking off their upcoming tour, Withering Soul tied it all together with their blend of unrelenting black metal.

Narcotic kicked off the bill and wasted no time in warming up the crowd. This was their second appearance at YOTI, having last played this suburban metal bar in December of 2013. However, Narcotic premiered new material, unleashing a song called "The Atavist" to a packed house. Quickly following suit were Chicago death metal band, Nucleus. They too unveiled a brand new song entitled "Cube". Along with the new material, the band said farewell to long-time bass player, Daniel-Josef Williams with a sea of whipping hair and raised fists. Nucleus has graced the stage of YOTI on several occasions and, as always, they do not disappoint! Following Nucleus was Chicago black metal act, Withering Soul. Withering Soul has existed in the Chicago underground for quite some time. They have stayed true to their music/sound and are popular with Chicago metal fans alike. After receiving an aural pummeling from Withering Soul, Against the Plagues took to the stage to kick off their tour with their unrelenting blend of modern black and death metal. Against the Plagues will be gracing Chicago next week at the Cobra Lounge, as part of their tour, so be sure to stop by Cobra Lounge next week, as the band would love the support!

The show was a monumental success for all bands involved, and without the gracious and supportive staff at YOTI, the show would not have been what it was. Special thanks to Jimmy Doomed of Jungle Rot for putting together a great bill, John Bravo for his excellent command of the sound, and to the entire staff of YOTI for being so supportive, helpful, friendly, and encouraging! YOTI is a metal bar that I highly encourage you to attend. Perks for bands include a payment of door money and two complimentary alcoholic beverages per appropriate member, plus a complimentary band pizza. You don't get service like this very often! Food served includes enjoyable bar food staples plus a nice pizza menu. Along with enjoyable food, the beverage list is sure to please the average metal bar patron. Be sure to keep tabs on YOTI for more upcoming shows, and be sure to support your local talent. You, the fans, are what keeps the local scene strong. Without you, well... Slowly We Rot!

Upcoming Shows (All bands can be found on the usual social media sites such as Facebook, ReverbNation, and Bandcamp):

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Pat O'Hara
Chicago Music Examiner
I am an entertainment professional and a media/PR professional who has an extreme passion for music, especially music that is being created in Chicago, IL. I am part of working band called Narcotic, I work as a Sound Designer for St. Patrick High School, and I am the Founder/CEO of independent music reviews site Music Talk. Before Music Talk, I wrote reviews for the Inarguable and Me Gusta Reviews, respectively. Finally, I'm a big supporter of the local music scene in Chicago, IL and I frequently am keeping tabs on Chicago's newest bands, music genres of all kinds, and other noteworthy topics that pertain to the music business.